The Coopers Arms (Bar)

Occupying a quiet corner site in Chelsea's affluent back streets, this civilised Victorian pub is part of Charles Gotto's small gastro-pub empire, which includes the Ship and the Alma in Wandsworth (see entries).

Lively, light and airy with a comfortable open-plan bar filled with pine furniture, pot plants, vintage ocean liner posters and framed Mac cartoons, it attracts a well-heeled clientele in search of superior bar food and decent wines.

Choose from a selection of freshly prepared dishes, with meat, game and eggs supplied by Gotto's organic Surrey farm. A typical day's menu may list parsnip and apple soup, garlic and chilli prawn linguine, smoked chicken, bacon and avocado salad with mustard vinaigrette, or, for a light snack or starter, Scottish smoked salmon and scrambled eggs with granary bread. For something more substantial choose, perhaps, home-reared pork sausages and mash with onion gravy, chargrilled tuna steak with salad niçoise or Aberdeen Angus rib-eye steak 'les houches' with french fries. If you have room, try the spotted dick and custard for pudding. There are tip-top Young's ales, as well as an upstairs function room that is popular for wedding celebrations; Chelsea Registry Office is just around the corner....read more